Wine Briefs
Dyer named winemaker at Stonescape
American art collectors Norman and Norah Stone have appointed Dawnine Dyer as winemaker at Stonescape, their vineyard estate located on Diamond Mountain. Dyer will oversee all aspects of the 3.5-acre estate’s wine making processes, including production of its cabernet label AZS.
A former head winemaker at Domaine Chandon, Dyer is credited with pioneering the use of French champagne-making methods in California’s sparkling wine industry in the early 1970s. Upon leaving Domaine Chandon in 2000, Dyer and her husband, fellow winemaker Bill Dyer, produced acclaimed Bordeaux-style cabernet sauvignons under the Dyer Vineyard label. Like Stonescape, Dyer Vineyard is located on Diamond Mountain. Both Dyers are partners with Barry and Tracy Schuler in Meteor Vineyards in the Coombsville area.
The Stones established Stonescape in 1990 under the Azalea Springs Vineyards label. They have spent the last two decades recreating their vineyard property, pulling out established merlot vines and replanting with Bordeaux varietals. The Stones bottled their first vintage of cabernet sauvignon in 2004.
‘Beat the Winter Blues’ event
On Saturday, Jan. 10, Clos Pegase, along with Bacchus, will host its annual “Beat the Winter Blues” event from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
The event features blue cheese and other “blue” foods, live music by The Crossroads Blues Band and special pricing on wines at the Visitor’s Center. The band includes Susie Straight, the wine club manager for Clos Pegase, on lead vocals and harmonica. Cost is $20. For more information, contact Straight at 942-4981, ext. 209 or sstraight@clospegase.com.
Mondavi joins Bailliage board
Angelina Mondavi has joined the board of directors and is assuming the position of Vice Chargé de Missions for the Bailliage de Napa Valley.
Dr. Donald W. Wise, Bailli for the group, states, “Angelina brings both a passion for the group’s worthy endeavors and the youthful enthusiasm to make a bona fide difference in this world. She is uniquely suited to this position, and far better equipped than was I, to co-direct our coterie with me for ongoing Chaîne membership, special functions, and our local Chaîne celebrations in the Arcadian Napa Valley.”
Mondavi also is going to assist Wise in shepherding the group’s philanthropic mandate to create programs for young chefs, sommeliers and winemakers: The Chaîne Foundation. This foundation relies upon the support of every Chaîne member to carry out its work — which not only maintains the Chaîne as a leader in the culinary arts — but also reflects the philanthropic wishes of the vast majority of Bailliage de Napa Valley Chaîne members.
Wines for $25 and less
Lisa Mattson, director of Communications and Public Relations for St. Helena’s Wilson Daniels Ltd., recently released a list of wines that retail at $25 or less. On the list are a couple of sauvignon blancs from Silverado Vineyards and Clos Pegase and a couple of sparkling wines from Schramsberg. Other than that, the list is made up of wines from North Coast producers and a number of imported wines. For details visit www.wilsondaniels.com/ twentyfive.com.
‘Robert Burns Supper’ planned
The third annual “Robert Burns Supper” will be Sunday, Jan. 25 at the Tucker Farm Center, just south of Calistoga. The event, which is sponsored by the Napa Valley Burns Enthusiasts, was sold out last year, with more than 150 people attending. To sign up or for more information send an e-mail to colin@larkmead.com.
Hagafen’s white rieslings released
Two of Hagafen’s 2008 vintage white rieslings are now available for purchase. Both wines celebrate Hagafen’s 30th anniversary. Grapes for the winery’s estate bottled offering were grown in Napa Valley’s Mayeri California Soleil Vineyard. Cost is $24. The second white riesling is from grapes organically grown in the Devoto Vineyard in Lake County.
Cost is $18.
According to an e-mail, the winery’s previous white rieslings have won gold medals for 19 vintages and “it will be difficult to guarantee their availability in a month or two.” To buy either of the wines, visit www.hagafen.com.
Carneros Heritage Fest in May
The Fourth Annual Carneros Heritage Fest, “Wines, Vines, Woolies and Wetlands” will be held on May 30.
Hosted by the Carneros Wine Alliance, the event is one of the nation’s only family-friendly wine and food festivals.
Proceeds of the Fest benefit the Carneros Land Stewardship Foundation, dedicated to the conservation and preservation of habitat and wetlands in the San Pablo Bay adjacent to the Carneros region.
Highlights of the Fourth Annual Carneros Heritage Fest include:
• Carneros winemakers offering pairings of their premium and ultra-premium pinot noir, chardonnay, syrah, cool climate merlot and sparkling wines;
• Lamb barbecue and picnic in the pasture;
• Carneros grape growers showcase how a great vine becomes a great wine;
• Throw-Down! Napa versus Sonoma Young Chef Competition; and
• Artisan foods, featuring the Sonoma County Cheese Trail.
(Editor’s Note: George Starke is on vacation.)
Smith-Madrone releases two wines
Smith-Madrone Winery has just released its 2007 riesling (365 cases produced, at $25 per 750 ml bottle) and 2004 cabernet sauvignon (2,175 cases produced, at $40 per 750 ml bottle). All of the wineries’ wines are made from the estate vineyards surrounding the winery, planted 34 years ago by brothers Stuart Smith and Charles Smith. All of Smith-Madrone’s vineyards are dry-farmed.
The winery still has a small amount of its 2006 chardonnay available ($26).
Customers can order online (www.smithmadrone.com) or by contacting the winery by phone, 963-2283, or mail or visiting in person, by appointment. Smith-Madrone is open for tours and tastings from Monday to Saturday, at 4022 Spring Mountain Road in St. Helena. Tastings and tours are complimentary and are always conducted by one of the Smith brothers.